Some of our members have been asking to read the Dearden Lecture recently given by Archbishop Donald Wuerl at the Catholic University of America.

I don't have a link to the transcript, but you might be pleased to know that a video of the talk can be found here.

Friends:

This morning was a contemplative experience.

I was happy to be at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in
Bethesda--an Associate Member of the Consortium--for a retreat morning.

Shalem is dedicated to Contemplation--in all its many forms.

Since I was feeling a little stressed by all the activities of
the first 8 weeks of the semester. And since I urged the
Consortium Spirituality Group to sponsor a morning of prayer--
I was present and ready for some quiet reflection.

The morning surpassed all my expectations.

It also confirmed my belief that prayer needs to be at the
root of all we do! Teaching, learning, ministering....
Sometimes I get so caught up in administrative matters
that I forget what is most important.

Bill Dietrick and Patience Robbins from Shalem, with their gentle
spirit in leading us, helped me to recapture, once again
the importance of quiet prayer. The other 'morning retreatants'
shared a few of their own experiences/learnings with the group.

I came away quite refreshed--in an interior way.

Peace,
John

Friends:

The busiest time of year is now winding down.
I hope to be more faithful to these postings.

The Faculties' Convocation turned out to be a highlight--over
100 participated--the most in my 10 years as director. The Artful Worship was very well received. I found it very moving myself--thanks to Patrick Ellis and Deborah
Sokolove who presided--and all who participated.

The workshops were quite varied and well received.
I thought that I would list them here for your reference:


Figuration, Art and Theological Hermeneutics, Eric Crump [Gettysburg]

Drama as Proclamation, Deryl Davis [Wesley] substituting for
Lisa Hawkins [Leland} who was ill that day.

Christian Images from Catacombs to Citibank, Catherine Kapikian [Wesley]

Sculpture as Meditation, Jim & Celeste Lauritsen [Gettysburg]

The Visual Arts as a Resource in Biblical Studies, Peggy Parker [Virginia Theological
Seminary]

From Seeing to Contemplation: Christian Art in Theological Education,
Jem Sullivan and Fr. Basil Cole [Dominican]

The Moral Imagination, Sondra Wheeler [Wesley]


All is all it was an exciting and informative day.
Many thanks to all those in the Consortium Faculties' Arts Group
who contributed so much time and energy to make it a success.


Peace,
John